Parihaka Day back in the bill ballot mix in Parliament

The idea of a national Parihaka Day is returning to Parliament with the Green Party re-entering the bill into the members’ bill ballot.

Marama Davidson announced on Sunday, the 136th anniversary of the invasion of Parihaka, that she will re-enter the Ma¯ ori Party’s Te ra¯ o Parihaka bill, which was previously in the name of Ma¯ ori Party MP Marama Fox but was never drawn.

The bill seeks to establish a national day of commemoration to recognise the Crown invasion in 1881 which was met with nonviolent resistance.

Green Party Ma¯ori development spokesperson Marama Davidson said even now too many New Zealanders hadn’t heard of Parihaka.

‘‘It is essential that Aotearoa honours its history, and that we educate our children about the injustices of our past,’’ Davidson said.

‘‘The passive resistance practised by Te Whiti o Rongomai, Tohu Ka¯kahi and the people of Parihaka brought an end to the Taranaki land wars, and inspired the world.’’

In June, the Crown apologised to the people of Parihaka for the past horrors they suffered.

The past events, which included the plundering of the pa, the arrest of leaders Te Whiti o Rongomai and Tohu Kakahi and the raping of women, were ‘‘among the most shameful in the history of our land,’’ said then-Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson, who delivered the apology on behalf of the Crown.

‘‘The reconciliation acknowledged the enduring mana and rangatiratanga of Taranaki wha¯ nui and offered new hope for the future of Parihaka papaka¯ inga,’’ Davidson said.

‘‘One of the best ways to ensure all our children remember Parihaka is to establish a national day of commemoration.’’